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View Full Version : Taking test on Monday, need some words of confidence

SquireX
10-19-2007, 03:17 AM
Hello everyone,

I´m an IMG taking Step1 on Monday, after preparing since Mid August.
Right now I think it was a bit too much time for preparation and maybe it would have been wise to take the test a week or two ago, because that was the time when I started to burn out.

Well, as I´m planning to go into Pediatrics I´m not shooting for an astronomical score, though it would be nice to get a solid score in the >210 region.

The reason why I´m writing this is, well, I´m still kinda burnt out :-( and some days ago I started caring less and less for the score I will achieve, also not beeing able to learn more than 4-5h a day. (started with 8-10h in the beginning)

Oh well, I´m just glad when it´s over.
Here a summary of my NBMEs.
NBME 1 (4 weeks after studying) 410 (195)
NBME 2 (6 weeks after studying) 390 (190) [don´t know what happened, but I didnt feel that good on that day]
NBME 4 (8 weeks after studying) 470 (211)
NBME 3 (last Friday) 450 (206)

Free USMLE Questions: 44, 38, 42

Though these scores put me on the passing site, they still do not make me feel very comfortable regarding passing on monday.

Hm...what do you guys think?
Maybe someone had a similar experience the last days before the exam?
wcb22
10-19-2007, 08:34 AM
your nbme's are the best predictor. as long as you've never seen those questions before, and you took it timed, i would take those scores as accurate. i am 90% sure you will hit 210+. there are freak accidents, and bad exam days, etc., but those are more rare. you'll be fine, now is the time to relax and congratulate yourself for all the hard work. just show up, and get a good nights rest.
SquireX
10-19-2007, 09:40 AM
Thank you for your cheer up. :p

I´m still not so sure about my upcoming performance, but I guess it´s just tiredness speaking out of me.
I must say I admire those of the exam takers who work part or full time during the day and study in the evening, on weekends etc.

You know I always used to think 1 or 2 days before a big exam it would be nice to have another week or two, just to clarify and fill some gaps.
Well, after Step1 I know that at least for me there is an optimal time period for which I´m able to study thoroughly.

But then again, maybe I´m lacking discipline here :rolleyes:
OnTheRoadAgain
10-20-2007, 11:59 AM
I found the NBME scores to be good predictors of the worst you would do on the test, not the best. So it looks like you will be in great shape. If you can just walk in knowing you are going to do well on this test and trust in your knowledge I bet you will do even better than you expect. Good Luck and enjoy resting before the test!
usmlethinktank
10-21-2007, 03:17 AM
hey sq x, forget abt the performance part. thats least important NOW. you need to focus on your best approach for the test instead of wondering how well u r gonna score. your wondering will not get you the scores that you want.
so just DO the right thing and prepare for the test.

all the best !!!!!!!!!!!
stateofequilibrium
10-21-2007, 11:50 AM
Just relax, your NBME scores are in the passing range, and quite a few people do better than their highest NBME score on the real thing as well. Kick butt and take names!
SquireX
10-22-2007, 05:46 AM
Oh boy..unbelievable, waited for 2 h in Test Centre, USMLE Test canceled for today, there seems to be a problem with the USMLE Servers, they told us that in whole Europe no USMLE Tests today.


Ever heard about Murphys Law?
stateofequilibrium
10-22-2007, 10:02 AM
Oh boy..unbelievable, waited for 2 h in Test Centre, USMLE Test canceled for today, there seems to be a problem with the USMLE Servers, they told us that in whole Europe no USMLE Tests today.

Ever heard about Murphys Law?

D'oh. On the one hand, good that you have an extra day. On the other, you probably just want to get it over.
SquireX
10-22-2007, 12:27 PM
Hi SoE,

well, if it would just be a one day delay...but since the exam is offered only one a week here, I have to reschedule for one of the next weeks.
The worst part, classes already started, and I´m on the wards next until mid of Novembre, so I fear I will have to force myself to stay in shape for Step1 until the first week of Decembre...oh boy.

Guess the smartest think to do is do daily questions on USMLEWORLD and read the explanations so I can hopefully retain most of the stuff I learned.

:evil: